Hey, friends! Happy July! I can’t believe it’s July already. I feel like summer is just starting. I’m going to take the rest of the month of July off from blogging (although you can still find me on Instagram @lisa.poblenz). I’m coming off a number of complicated sewing projects (Refashioners 2016–which you’ll get to see in the not-too-distant future, bathing suit sewing, jeans, etc.), and it’s time to regroup, create some new garments, and do family stuff. I don’t know about you, but when I finish a big batch of projects, I feel a little discombobulated for a while until I figure out what direction I’m going to pursue next and get going down that road.
I finished one wonderfully quick project on Wednesday, however–a Deer and Doe Datura Blouse.
I’m finding that while I am most drawn to bright colors and fun prints, I need a few neutral garments to wear with the fun and crazy stuff. So, to test out this pattern, I chose the most basic view and made it up in a white linen-look fabric from Joann’s that I’ve had forever, and a khaki linen that a good friend gave me. I also took the opportunity to use some vintage buttons from my mother-in-law.
Before beginning, I measured myself to see how high the dart should sit on my body and then checked it on the flat pattern. It seemed perfect, so other than grading up a size for the waist and hip, I used the pattern as it was. There were a few tricky parts, mainly having to do with sewing together the shoulders, but once I weathered those, it was a quick sew. (I used Part 1 of this sew-along to help me out, in case you are considering making this top as well.) The only potential issue is that the neckline seems to gape just a bit, but I’m going to wash and wear the shirt a few times before I decide if I need to deal with that in any future versions. They’ve updated the pattern since I bought this one, so maybe they fixed that. I’m not sure.
(Thanks to my Instagram Husband for taking these pictures of me!)
Expect future versions of this, though. I want to try the one with the triangle cutouts next…and in crazy fabric. One neutral garment at a time is about all I can handle! 😉
Do you ever wish you could sew at super speed? I’ve never really had a handle on my summer wardrobe, but after sewing for a few years, and thinking seriously about what I actually wear (rather than just what I like to look at in fashion, which are often two very different things), I think I’m getting closer to the essence of how I like to dress in summer. And now I want to sew it all up!!!! I’ve been stocking up on fabric, but I can’t yet sew at lighting speed or fit garments to myself with shocking perfection. Alas, my reach exceeds my grasp (but I think they are getting closer!). Ah, sewing problems! Ha!
Well, have a great July. I look forward to more writing and talking with you in August. We’ll find out then if I spent my time sewing or not! 😉
Recommendations
- This Piped Floral Shirt Dress from Making It Well is amazing. I’ll have to pick up some tips from Jo when I finally dive into the wonderful world of shirt dresses.
- I just have to recommend The Great British Sewing Bee. As much as I love Project Runway, sometimes it’s just so…ruthless! The GBSB has a much kinder tone as well as an educational one. I’ve only watched Season/Series 1 in its entirety, but Series 4 is on now! You can look at the show’s website here.
- If you are in the greater Boston area, I highly recommend the magazine edibleBOSTON. If you aren’t in greater Boston, you may have an edible magazine covering an area near you. edibleBOSTON is a fun way to learn about farmers, restaurants, small batch food makers, and other foodie things in your locale. Magazines are free from subscribing businesses and come out quarterly. You can also read issues online.
- Aaannnddd…..we’re TOTALLY making this spaghetti and meatballs recipe this summer!
Pattern and Branch 